Introduction to Safe Routes to School (SR2S) and Student Neighborhood Access Program (SNAP)

There is a growing concern, here in Utah and nationally, about the safety of children who walk or bicycle to school. With increased traffic and congestion around schools, fewer students are choosing to walk or bike, which only causes more traffic. At the same time, children in general are engaging in less physical activity, which contributes to the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. At first glance, these problems may seem to be separate issues, but a coordinated action plan can address both of these challenges.

To assist schools in addressing these public safety and health issues, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is implementing a statewide Safe Routes to School (SR2S) program. A key component of Utah’s SR2S is the Student Neighborhood Access Program (SNAP), an innovative approach to creating routing plans that UDOT believes will be a national model for SR2S campaigns around the country.

What is a Walking School Bus?

A “Walking Bus” lets a group, or “bus,” of children walk from home to school each morning quickly and safely under the guidance of trained adult supervisors. Each walking bus has an adult “driver” at the front and an adult “conductor” bringing up the rear. The children walk to school in a group along a set route picking up additional 'passengers' at specific “bus-stops” along the way.

As with a regular school bus, the Walking School Bus runs rain or shine and everyone should wear a reflective jacket or bright clothing. Along the way children can chat to their friends, learn valuable road safety skills and gain some independence.

All walking buses are different! They vary to suit the needs of the children and their parents. Some schools have a number of walking buses and some only have one walking bus. Some walking buses operate only on certain days; other walking buses operate only in morning or afternoon.

A Walking School Bus is a perfect fit with the government's aim to reduce road traffic congestion and provide safe walking routes. A Walking Bus deserves our support because it's beneficial in so many ways; not only does it take pressure off parents in the morning, but it also provides children with a healthy, educational and environmentally sound way of getting to school each day.

The Safe and Active Routes to School Concept 

With childhood obesity on the rise, it is imperative that we teach our youth the importance of physical activity. Walking to school is one way that our students can increase the amount of time they spend being active. Encouraging this fifteen minutes, or so, of physical activity before and after school is one way we can help our students get their increasing obesity under control, and to begin to develop health habits that will remain with them into adulthood.